The Federal Government has said ongoing road and bridge projects across the Southeast are evidence of increased federal investment in the region, with Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, describing the projects as part of a broader effort to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity.
Umahi made the remarks during an inspection tour of federal infrastructure projects in Ebonyi State on Saturday, accompanied by a delegation led by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The minister pointed to several ongoing projects, including sections of the Calabar-Abuja corridor and the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, which he said would strengthen trade links, support agriculture and open new economic opportunities for communities along the routes.
According to him, the Federal Government has already made provisions in the 2026 budget to extend a key highway connection to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, while work is also progressing on a major flyover designed to ease traffic congestion along the corridor.
Despite concerns over funding, Umahi assured contractors that government would honour its obligations, stressing that work should continue as planned because of the strategic importance of the projects.
He disclosed that construction on the Trans-Sahara Super Highway has reached about 28 per cent completion, noting that work has continued despite the rainy season.
The minister described the highway as a long-awaited project that would connect major agricultural and commercial centres while strengthening regional trade links with neighbouring countries.
He said the administration’s infrastructure programme extends beyond road construction, explaining that the projects are intended to drive investment, create jobs and support industrial development.
Umahi revealed that plans along the major transport corridors include power infrastructure, irrigation facilities, housing developments, industrial clusters and other complementary projects aimed at boosting economic activities.
The minister also provided updates on the 51-kilometre Okposi-Ohaozara-Ukawu-Cross River road project, saying significant progress had been achieved, with parts of the road nearing completion.
He added that the Federal Government has included the extension of the route to Akam, where a new South-East Army Depot is to be located, in the 2026 budget.
According to him, additional contractors have been mobilised to sections of the road network linking Ebonyi and Enugu states, while a new flyover has been proposed at Okposi to improve traffic movement.
Beyond infrastructure, Umahi used the occasion to praise President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, arguing that the Southeast is receiving greater attention in federal project allocation than in previous years.
He maintained that residents of the region can now point to visible federal projects as evidence of inclusion in the nation’s development agenda. The minister further urged contractors handling government projects to adhere strictly to approved standards, warning that substandard work would not be tolerated.
He said the ministry remains committed to delivering durable infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades while supporting the administration’s economic transformation agenda.
